Business World | March 2015 218 Serving as a point of pride for AMA Plaza, the award lends itself to spotlighting additional sustainability efforts. “We’re the first multi-tenant building in the state to receive it,” Hammercontinues.”It really helped us to showcase everything that we’ve done, not only energy conservation, but we also set up a composting program.” Beyond showcasing their latest programs to reduce their environmental impact, the award shed light on AMA Plaza’s tenants, who take pride in setting up shop in a building which shares their commitment to the environment. “It helped us to outline our tenant and staff involvement, how everyone is involved,” explainsHammer .”Our tenants can show their clients the type of building they’ve chosen to lease space in.” In addition to award success, AMA Plaza was declared a Chicago Landmark in 2008, joining the ranks of such iconic structures as Wrigley Field, the Chicago Theater, and the Tribune Tower. Not only regarded as a landmark in the city, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the United States, which deems AMA Plaza a significant structure worthy of preservation. March 2015 | Business World 219 GETTING TENANTS INVOLVED As Hammer stated, ‘going green’ is a necessity to survive in the commercial real estate market in Chicago, and an integral aspect of attracting new tenants. In our society, environmental consciousness is a trait that clients value highly and as such, companies who seek their business must embody it in their practices. Offering a place of business that shares a commitment to continually striving towards efficiency, AMA Plaza also raises awareness for environment causes. “As tenants were getting more sophisticated in their energy and sustainability requirements,” Susan says of the increasing demand for energy efficiency.”We were able to respond to that, and it became very easy for us to do so because of how sophisticated our systems and programs were at that time.” “We also have been able to develop awareness with our other tenants,” she continues.”Whether it’s a law firm or other service oriented tenant or a technology based tenant. Now that they are using what the building has available as part of their corporate responsibility programs, it’s helped with not only their employment and recruitment needs, but also their clients.” RAISING AWARENESS Looking towards the future of AMA Plaza, the goal is to continue towards a path of susDECEMBER 2023 THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AMERICA - WEST
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